5 Messages
Adding to our system
My wife and I have been SimpliSafe customers for the past 5-6 years. We are exploring the idea of building an additional detached two-car garage on our property and I've been wondering how we might protect this new building in addition to our home. There is no way that sensors inside this detached building would reach the base unit inside our home, so I'm assuming this would require a second base to be kept in the detached garage. Is this the case, or is there another way?
If it would require a separate base unit for the garage, is there any way to tie the two base units together and monitor under one account, or would that entail another separate monitoring charge at $25 a month?
Lastly, I see that SimpliSafe offers Alexa integration/control now. I am assuming this would require the newer base unit, and would not be compatible with the one we received in 2015. Is this the case and, if so, how much would it cost us to purchase a new base unit?
Thanks to anyone who might be able to reply.
- Byron Followell
If it would require a separate base unit for the garage, is there any way to tie the two base units together and monitor under one account, or would that entail another separate monitoring charge at $25 a month?
Lastly, I see that SimpliSafe offers Alexa integration/control now. I am assuming this would require the newer base unit, and would not be compatible with the one we received in 2015. Is this the case and, if so, how much would it cost us to purchase a new base unit?
Thanks to anyone who might be able to reply.
- Byron Followell
captain11
Captain
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6K Messages
3 years ago
As far as the outside building, if its not metal siding, it shoud work. My daughter and her family live in a house built in 1926 with vinyl siding and the sensors in the detached garage 40 feet away have no issues with connecting to the base located on their 2nd floor. I would try it.
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captain11
Captain
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6K Messages
3 years ago
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davey_d
Community Admin
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5.6K Messages
3 years ago
Yes, the Original system has a range of about 400ft over open air, and the Gen 3 (current gen system) has double that (with a much more efficient signal). Though in a real-world scenario, that can be decreased by interference, which is caused by either dense physical objects, or other wireless signals getting in the way. Like of you have brick walls, or insulated floors, that could be what's blocking the signal from those sensors that are already having trouble.
For that detached building, it might still be possible for the sensors to reach if you can get a more direct path for the signal to come through - like putting the base Station near (but not in front of!) a window on the same side of the house, or even just moving it so that heavy appliances like your fridge or washing machine aren't in the way.
If you've still got the Original, also don't forget that we've got an Upgrade program that can get you 50% off any new system. Give our Support team a call at 800-548-9508 and they can put together the package for you.
- Johnny M.
SimpliSafe Home Security
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followb
5 Messages
3 years ago
Thanks again.
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davey_d
Community Admin
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5.6K Messages
3 years ago
For the same reason, that the Gen 3 system uses a totally different wireless communication, you'd need to upgrade all sensors all at once. The trade-off is that you get extended range and more stable connections with the sensors (and they sensors themselves are smaller and sleeker too).
Oh, and once thing I forgot to address. With the Interactive Plan, we do offer the ability to arm and check on the status of the system by voice command, through Alexa and Google Assistant. That function is available on both Gen 2 and Gen 3 systems.
- Johnny M.
SimpliSafe Home Security
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